'I've been the partner waiting in the car park': Cork TD hits out at minister over maternity restrictions

The Cork South Central poll-topper hit out at Health Minister Stephen Donnelly’s “feet dragging” in not ensuring partners are allowed attend critical moments.

“I waited outside by the car park looking up at the early pregnancy unit waiting room window, as close as I could get. I am glad to say all was fine, but I tell you, we were worried,” Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Cork Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh O Laoghaire has told the Dáil of how he was forced to remain outside a maternity hospital while his partner had to attend an emergency appointment.

Speaking during a debate on the state of maternity services in Ireland, Mr O Laoghaire became visibly upset as he recounted how he was forced to stand outside in a carpark, while his partner Eimear was examined following a bleed.